General News
18 May, 2023
Debbie awarded pony club volunteer of the year
Life member of the Maryborough and District Horse and Pony Club Debbie Ruff has been rewarded for her contributions over the past 25 years, awarded Pony Club Victoria’s 2022 Volunteer of the Year. Ms Ruff received the state-level award earlier in...
Life member of the Maryborough and District Horse and Pony Club Debbie Ruff has been rewarded for her contributions over the past 25 years, awarded Pony Club Victoria’s 2022 Volunteer of the Year.
Ms Ruff received the state-level award earlier in the year for her dedication to the local club.
During her time Ms Ruff has held various roles on the club’s committee including treasurer, canteen, and event coordinator — she’s held the position of secretary for the past 12 years.
“Debbie has been an integral part of our club since her eldest niece joined in 1998,” Maryborough and District Horse and Pony Club district commissioner Linda Gerring said.
“The most extraordinary part of Debbie’s involvement at our club is the fact that she doesn’t have any children of her own, but has supported her four nieces through pony club and continues to support two of her nieces as well as her seven-year-old nephew. She has unselfishly taken on the role of aunty to many of our riding members throughout the years.
“Debbie can always be found at the club throughout the week undertaking a project she has on the go — the most recent was painting the internal walls of the club rooms.
“At club rallies Debbie is one of the first to meet the riders at the gear check in the morning where she not only checks that all the riders gear is safe, but also educates club parents and riding members on the importance of ensuring riders and horses gear is safe and compliant for club rallies and events.
“We congratulate Debbie on being recognised for her dedication and commitment.”
At club events Ms Ruff also undertakes the admin role and greets all competitors as they check in as well as assists the scoring team throughout the day and handles other queries.